Psychologist

Psychologists are people who can assist you

Psychologists are trained to talk to people about a wide range of concerns. Counselling, legal issues, relationships, families, school, and drug and alcohol issues are some of the things they can talk to you about. They can also equip you with skills to help you live a better life and to solve problems more effectively.

Clinical Psychologists are a particular type of psychologist who have received specialist training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health problems. They often specialise in particular areas, such as drugs and alcohol or anxiety disorders. Clinical psychologists are members of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). They have completed six years of formal training at university followed by two further years of supervised training. You can find a clinical psychologist by contacting the APS.

You can also ask a doctor to refer you to a psychologist who can help you. Psychologists are also listed in the Yellow Pages under 'psychologists' or try the beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners

Remember you can take a friend or family member with you to the appointment.

Like anyone else you talk to, you might not feel comfortable with the first person you see. If you don't think they are listening to you, go and see someone different. Try not to give up. It's really tough dealing with what you're going through plus having to find someone that you're comfortable to talk with - but it's worth it. Finding that person you connect with will help things seem clearer to you and it really will help. Don't give up!

Making an appointment

Psychologists will usually want you to make an appointment. Sometimes they are busy. You may have to wait a while before your first appointment. Remember, if things feel really desperate tell them it's urgent. They may be able to fit you in. If you need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 131 114 (cost of a local call from a landline) or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (free call from a land line for people 25 and under and it won't show up on your hoem phone bill).

Ask the psychologist if you have to pay

Some psychologists are free. Some work at community health centres or schools and are paid by the government. Some psychologists work privately and you will probably have to pay them. When you make an appointment ask how much it will cost you.

Private health insurance may pay part of what it costs for you to see a private psychologist. If you have private health insurance, ask the company how much they will give you back.

Getting free sessions with your psychologist under medicare

The mental health psychology Medicare items involve two categories - 'General' psychology services and 'Specialist' clinical psychology services.

Both general and specialist psychology services can only be provided to people with 'an assessed mental disorder' that is being managed by a GP under a GP Mental Health Care Plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan, or on direct referral from a psychiatrist or a paediatrician (for treatment of a child).

All psychology Medicare services are limited to a maximum of 12 individual sessions per client per calendar year, with a review by the doctor who referred you required after the initial six sessions. In addition, you will also be eligible for 12 group session services, where appropriate, in a calendar year. Check out this fact sheet on Medicare for more info.

For more info, check out the APS site at www.psychology.org.au or the Department of Health and Ageing's website at www.health.gov.au/mbsonline.

Ask about your privacy

It is a good idea to talk to the person you see about keeping your information private. Unless you say so, they have to keep what you tell them confidential, except in the following circumstances:

• they believe that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm 
• a court orders them to give up information

For more information about confidentiality you may want to check out the Confidentiality fact sheet in the making sure you get the best help.

There are other people to talk to

Lifeline (131 114) or Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800) should be able to help you with some numbers in your local area. You can also read about Who can help you on this site and look them up in your local phone book.